Clerks of the Road/Newspapers. 1731-41 Entire letters from Clerks of the Road at the G.P.O London sent free, the letters concerning newspapers (which the Clerks of the Road could frank to regular subscribers), comprising 1731 letter from Charles Westgarth, Clerk of the West Road, to Taunton seeking to send newspapers to Hampshire & the West Country; 1734 letter from Jabez Harris, Clerk of the Western Roads, to Sir Christopher Musgrave in Penrith with a bill for newspapers; and 1740 letter from Christopher Harris to Penrith with a bill for newspapers receipted by the Penrith Post Master. (3).

1743-1839 Entire letters all franked with M.Ps signatures which differ to those used on their letters, with the addition of Free to the signature or lines above or through signatures, an attempt to prevent autographs being fraudulently copied for franks, including "WfreeWilberforce" on 1815 entire sent by the slave trade abolitionist William Wilberforce from Brighton. (6).

1784 23 Page pamphlet "An Authentick Letter from a Disconsolate Member of Parliament to his Unfortunate Son lately Convicted of Robbing the General Post Office", printed for J. Dodsley in Pall Mall. A satirical pamphlet in the form of a letter from an M.P to his son, designed to warn the public against the dangers of abusing the free franking system, published to coincide with the new Parliamentary Act containing many restrictions relating to free franking. Believed to be the only example in private hands.

Army. 1798 (May 21) Partly printed "weekly state of His Majestys 2nd Battn of the 4th Regt of Fencible Infantry commanded by the Earl of Breadalbane", posted from Kirkcaldy to the Earl of Breadalbane at Taymouth, headed "On. H.M.S", unusual.

1822 (Jan 29) Entire from London to an M.P in St. Ives, Cornwall, with red Free datestamp and boxed "Belvide Ple / S" handstamp, used at Belvidere Place, located within the Kings Bench Prison, fine.

1822 (Aug 1) Printed forms "To His Majesty's Postmaster-General" allowing Lady Louissa Lygon to sign free franks on behalf of her brother William, Earl Beauchamp. Two slightly differing forms, one completed by Lady Lygon, the other by the Earl, who can no longer sign due to bodily infirmity. A rare matched pair. (2)

1824 (June 8) Letter from the former Bishop of Chester to Francis Freeling informing him that he has become the Bishop of Bath & Wells and will alter his frank accordingly. Also 1823 and 1836 entire letters, the former franked "Geo. H. Chester", the latter "Geo. H. Bath & Wells". An interesting trio. (3).

1823-24 Letters from Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, Under Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, an 1823 letter stating he will be adding Horton to his name (necessitated by his father-in-law's will, allowing him to inherit), 1824 letter stating he will be shortening his signature to R.W Horton, and a later 1824 letter asking permission for his secretary to sign for him as "time employed in franking letters is inconvenient". An interesting group; Departmental Officials were allowed to alter their franking signature. (3).

House of Commons. 1826 (Apr 18) Lettersheet with printed heading "HOUSE OF COMMONS" and "FREE / F. FREELING" in the lower corner, partly printed address "To The Churchwardens and Overseers of Painswick", red Free datestamp, fine and scarce. Photo on Page 24. (Image1)

Parliamentary Proceedings. 1828 Printed wrapper "Par: Pro: / Colonel Davies, M.P, Elmsley Castle, Pershore, Worcestershire, FREE", turned and used as a wrapper to send Parliamentary Proceedings to Brechin, headed "Par.Pro (306)" and signed by Joseph Hume, one of the principal campaigners for postal reform in the 1830s. Very unusual.

1834 (Aug 1) Envelope from London to Lowestoft with two differing franking signatures, red Free datestamp. The only item we have seen franked by two different individuals, most unusual.

1837-39 Front and envelope from the Bishop of Norwich, the front posted on April 30 1837 during the 27 day period between his nomination and consecration as Bishop so signed "E. Norwich Elect", the 1839 cover signed "E. Norwich". The front with the date altered prior to posting, correctly signed a second time alongside the date alteration; the cover redirected with the Free datestamp crossed out, "2" charge, "TO PAY / 2d / ONLY" and red boxed "POSTAGE NOT PAID / TO LONDON". A very unusual pair. (2).